Siphon breaker for water closets



i -s 17, 1936. R A BROOKS SIPHON BREAKER FOR WATER CLOSETS Filed May 28, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet l z fftagys.

193. R. A. BROOKS ,3,E?

SIPHQN BREAKER FOR WATER CLOSETS Filed May 28, 1951 s Sheets-Sheet 2 R. A. BROOKS 2,4,3?

SIPHON BREAKER FOR WATER CLOSETS Filed May 28, 1931 5 Shee'ts-Sheet 3 H7, 1936. V R. A. BROOKS 2,934,373

' SIPHON BREAKER FOR WATER CLOSEIIS Filed May 28, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 March 17, 1936. R. A. BROOKS SIPHON BREAKER FOR WATER CLOSETS Filed May 28, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 t Ii V gww nmw Patented Mar. 17, 1936 UNITED STATES PATNT OFFICE 29 Claims.

My invention has to do with improvements in closet bowls of the type which are generally connected directly to a city supply line. The invention provides an improved closet bowl designed to prevent contamination of the water in the service mains such as is frequently caused by a siphonic back flow from the water closet bowl.

It is the common practice in the plumbin industry in the installation of closet bowls to connect them directly to the city supply mains, thus eliminating reservoirs and associated mechanisms. It has become manifest to the public that, in such installations, a great danger exists in the possibility of contaminating the water supply of a building, or even that of a whole neighborhood, where a back flow or siphon'ic action might occur in the supply pipes which would draw up liquid from the closet bowl into the city supply mains.

This back flow or siphonic action could develop in various ways, as for instance, in a tall building where the closet is located on an upper floor. It is common for the water pressure in such buildings to fall, especially at night, to such an extent that the water will not always reach the upper floors, thus it is evident that, should considerable water be withdrawn from the floors below or in the neighborhood, as would occur in the case of a fire, a back flow or siphonic action might develop in the water supply pipes of such upper floors to such an extent that liquid might be drawn from a closet bowl into the supply pipe where it would circulate generally throughout the system causin contamination of a whole vicinity. It is readily conceivable that such contamination might be caused from innumerable conditions occurring in the water supply systems.

In some types of closet bowls the likelihood of such siphonic action tending to draw water from r the bowl into the water system is increased by the inherent construction of the bowl. This is true in a siphonic jet type of closet bowl in common usage today, which type of bowl relies chiefly upon a conduit leading from the supply line to an orifice in the liquid seal trap through which water is siphoned to expel the contents from the bowl in the flushing operation. Should a reverse siphonic action occur in the water supply pipe, the liquid in the bowl might readily be drawn up into the fresh water supply pipe through the conduit providing this siphonic or power jet.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide improved siphon breaking means embodied in a specially constructed closet bowl designed for that purpose.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved siphon breaking or preventing means which can be disposed within clost bowls of con- 5 ventional design without necessitating any alteration thereof. This type of construction can be used as an attachment or accessory for conventional bowls already installed or to be installed.

Another object of the invention is to provide 10 improved siphon breaking or preventing means which can be associated with the water supply pipe leading to the bowl. This construction can also be used as an attachment or fitting in association with any conventional bowl.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved closet bowl of the siphon jet type having a vented chamber with a novel valve means which is responsive to the flow of water from the supply pipe to close the vented 20 chamber. Thus, the vented chamber is incommunication with the atmosphere outside of the bowl at all times except during the flushing operation when it is wholly or partially closed by the valve whereby a more eflicient operation of the 25 siphon jet is obtained.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a novel valve means which is responsive to the passage of water'from the supply connection to automatically open and close ports or passage- 30 ways in a manifold chamber of the closet bowl whereby water may readily pass through the manifold chamber in a flushing operation but a back flow of water will be prevented by the automatic actuation of said valve. 35

It is a still further object or my invention to provide a closet bowl of the siphonic jet type having a vented passageway above the overflow level of the bowl which vented passageway is of greater cross sectional area than that of the siphon jet conduit leading to the liquid seal trap at the bottom of the bowl, and valve means to check the flow of water through said air passageway during a flushing operation to thereby increase the operating efficiency of the siphon Jet action.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred constructions shown in the accompany- 50 ing drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical section of a closet bowl, connected by means of a typical flushing valve to a water supply system;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary transverse sectional ing in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary plan view of a rear portion of the bowl;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 5 is a vertical section of a closet bowl, showing a modified form of my invention;

Figures 6, 7 and 8 are fragmentary sectional views of the bowl, shown in Figure 5, taken along the lines 6-6, and 8-8, respectively;

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view of another modification of my invention;

Figures 10 and 11 are fragmentary transverse views taken along the lines 0 and I, respectively, of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is an enlarged longitudinal view, in section, of an air vent as employed in the construction shown in Figure 9';

Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12 but taken at right angles thereto;

Figure 14 is a side elevation of a further modification showing a rear portion of the bowl in section;

Figure 15 is a fragmentary transverse view of Figure 14, parts being broken away to show the details of construction;

Figure 16 is a fragmentary sectional view of a slightly modified form of bowl as shown in Figure 14;

Figure 17 is still another form embodying the broad aspects of my invention;

Figure 18 illustrates the installation of a. slightly different form of siphon breaking arrangement that can be readily assembled in the typical closet bowl for breaking or preventing siphonic back flow;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the novel back flow or siphon preventing valve employed in the construction shown in Figure 18;

Figure 20 is an enlarged vertical View, in section, taken through the air venting device provided in the supply pipe;

Figures 21 and 22 are transverse views taken on the lines 2| 2| and 22-22, respectively, of Figure 20; and

Figure 23 is a vertical sectional view of a further modification of siphon breaking assembly or 'unit which is adapted to be employed in the supply connection of any type of plumbing fixture.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, a closet bowl, indicated generally at H, receives water from a city main or other source through the supply pipe I2. A conventional flushing valve l3 controls the admission of water into the closet in a flushing action and this water passes through a connecting pipe I 5 into a rear portion of the closet bowl. The bowl isshown as being of the "siphon or power jet type. It has a large bowl proper IS in communication with the usual liquid seal trap, the latter consisting of an upwardly extending leg I! connecting with a downwardly extending leg I9. The downwardly extending leg I9 is connected to a waste pipe (not shown), A sloping transverse wall I 8 defines the back wall of the main bowl and the forward wall of the upwardly extending leg I I. The construction of the bowl proper and the liquid seal trap are shown by way of illustration only and obviously these parts may be modified within the teachings of my invention.

A flushing rim 2| extends around the upper margin of the bowl proper l6 and contains the view taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1, lookusual annular passageway 22 for conducting the water to flush the side walls of the bowl. Slotlike apertures 23 are formed around the underside of the flushing rim 2| adjacent the wall of the bowl l6 and these apertures open into the passageway 22 for discharging the water. The slotlike apertures 23 are preferably of narrow cross section so as to allow only a limited amount of water to pass therethrough, the quantity being suflicient to flush the side walls of the bowl IE but not hindering the siphonic action of the bowl during the flushing operation.

The water used in the flushing operation passes through the pipe 15 into a first chamber or compartment 25. The compartment 25 is shown as comprising a cylindrical opening in the rear portion I 4 of the bowl, and a coupling 25 connects the pipe I5 to said compartment 25. A flange ring 27 is formed on the inner wall of the compartment and this ring provides a stop or abutment against which a pipe or extension 28 of the coupling 26 rests. A cylindrical opening or port 3| is formed in the front wall of the compartment 25 as best seen in Figures 1 and 4. The water passes from the first compartment 25 through the port 3| into a second compartment or manifold chamber 32, from whence the water is directed into the flushing rim 2|. The manifold chamber 32 appears as a rectangular chamber in transverse section, as seen in Figure 4. Extending longitudinally of the manifold chamber 32 and connecting with the opposite ends thereof is a raised portion 33 forming a channeled runway or trough 34. This runway or trough 34 has upwardly curved side walls 34' for retaining a ball valve 35 thereon. The ball valve 35 may consist of hard rubber, porcelain, or other materialof relatively light weight so as to move freely upon the channeled runway responsive to the flow of water passing through the manifold chamber. The runway is inclined at an angle, the forward end being somewhat higher than the rear end thereof, as clearly seen in Figure 1, so that the ball valve 35 will normally close the port 3|. The port 3| is located slightly above the rear end of the runway, and the edge 36 of the port affords a seat for the ball valve, thus sealing the port against the flow. of a fluid in a reverse direction from the manifold chamber into the supply line. That is, water will pass readily through the port 3| into the chamber 32 due to the pressure of the water moving the ball 35 forwardly on the trough and when the pressure subsides,

the ball will return on the runway to again seal the opening of the port against the reverse flow of fluid.

, The-forward end of the channeled runway 34 is disposed slightly below a second port 4| formed in the forward end 42 of the manifold chamber. This port 4| leads into a vertical passageway 43 which has an outlet 44 disposed centrally of the back wall |8 of the bowl l6. At the outset of the flushing action, the water will move the ball 35 forwardly on the runway 34 to close the port 4| against the outward passage of water through this opening. Should the ball 35 get stuck or be prevented from positively sealing the port 4|, water may pass through this port into the passage 43 and thence into the bowl. The passage 43 is vented to the atmosphere outside of the bowl by means of openings 45 formed in the front face of the rear portion 4. In case water escapes past the ball 35 into the port 4|, as in the case just mentioned, the water will be directed upwardly and against a deflecting wall 46 and then downwardly into the passage 44. None of this water will have occasion to escape through the vent openings 45 due to the latter openings being located beneath the overhanging ledge of the abutment wall 45. It will be manifest that the ball 35 will reciprocate freely in the channeled runway 34 responsive to the water flow when the valve 13 is opened and closed to effect closing of one of the ports 3|, 4|. The atmospheric vents 45 are disposed above the overflow level of the bowl, which level is indicated by the line ll. The rear portion of the flushing rim 2! is shown as depressed, which enables the standard type of seat to be used with these atmospherically vented bowls.

As best seen in Figure 2, the vertical space between the curved sides 34' of the runway and the ceiling 38 of the manifold chamber is less than the diameter of the ball 35 so that the latter can not escape from the channeled runway 34 during the flushing operation. A cylindrical opening 41 extends vertically beneath the cover plate 48 of the coupling 26 into the chamber 32 directly above the runway 34. In first installing the fixture, the ball 35 is dropped through this hole into position on the runway and the cover plate is secured in place to prevent removal of the ball. The cover plate is preferably provided with a depending pin 49 which prevents the ball 35 from being forced into the cylindrical opening 41 under pressure of the water. The ball valve 35 may be readily removed for replacement or the like by mere'y removing the cover plate 48.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 4, it will be seen that the passageway 22 which encircles the bowl originates in the chamber 32, the open ends 52 of this passageway entering the chamber on opposite sides of the raised runway 34. A quantity of the water will flow into this passageway during the flushing action and then escape through the slots 23 into the bowl proper Hi.

In the siphon jet type of bowl, a chamber 53 is formed in the lower portion between the upwardly and downwardly extending leg portions of. the bowl and a siphon jet port 54 discharges water upwardly into the ascending leg I! of the trap. Water is conducted from the manifold chamber 32 down to this lower chamber 53 through a siphon jet passageway or conduit 55. The siphon jet passageway 55 receives water during the flushing action from the manifold chamber through the opening 56. The opening 4| and associated venting passageway is shown as being of greater cross-sectional area than the opening 56 of 'the passageway 55, although this relation is obviously not essential. In case a back suction or vacuum develops in the supply line l2, caused by more water being withdrawn in the vic nity of the present installation than is available to keep the pipe 12 filled. and should the flush valve i3 remain open or leak, the ball valve 35 will seal the port 3| to prevent any fluid whether air or water from being sucked into the supply line i2. Should the ball valve 35 not entirely seal the port 3i a ready suppy of air will be present to be drawn into the supply line l2 responsive to the back suction or vacuum.

As before mentioned the vent openings 45 are located above the overflow level of the bowl, so that the chamber 32 will always be vented to the atmosphere outside of the bowl. It is now clear that should the bowl l6 be stopped up and receive water to the extent of overflowing on the floor, the siphon breaking action in the manifold chamber 32 will not be affected or impaired by virtue of the vented openings 45 being disposed sufliciently above the level that the water will reach when spilling on the floor.

Due to the provision of the port 4| and flushing outlet 44 in the manifold chamber, water during the flushing period might more readily flow through the port 41 than the opening 56 of the siphon jet passageway, and consequently impair the efficiency of the siphon jet action in evacuating the bowl. However, I overcome the possibility of such result by providing the ball valve 35 which closes the port 41 instantly upon the flow of water through the manifold chamber, thus checking and diverting the flow through the opening 56 of the siphon jet passageway 55 and the openings 5| and 52 into the flushing rim 2|.

Even though the ball valve 35 does not completely seal the port 4| with the consequent leaking of water past the valve and into the passageway 43, enough of the water will be checked so that the siphonic action of the jet 55 will not be seriously affected. It will thus be seen that I have perfected a double acting ball valvearrangement in connection with the air passageway above the overflow level of the bowl which conducts the water in the flushing operation, the ball valve being operative on an inclined surface and responsive automatically to the flow of flushing water to alternatively open and close ports in the passageway, thus checking or stopping the outflow of water through the air passageway and also preventing fluid from being sucked back through this passageway into the supply connection. This construction is formed as an integral part of the bowl with the exception of the ball valve member-thus having little possi bility of becoming inoperative. The ball member itself obviously may take any other form where found convenient or necessary.

The construction shown in Figures 5 to 8 inclusive has the same general relation of flushing rim 2', siphon trap l1, l9 and siphon jet 54. In this construction the supply pipe l5 opens directly into a manifold chamber 6|. The end ports 5Ia and 52a of the flushing rim passageway 22 open directly into this manifold chamber. Formed in the upper part of said chamber is an inclined passageway 62 in which a ball valve 68 rolls. The rear end of said passageway opens into the manifold chamber, and the front end of said passageway has a port 65 which opens into an atmospheric vent channel 43a which leads downwardly and has an outlet 44a disposed centrally of the back wall l8 of the bowl. Atmospheric vent ports 35a open into this channel above the overflow level 0ll of the bowl. Said ports are located below the deflecting wall 63a so that water can not splash outwardly through said ports. In this and in the preceding embodiment the channel is formed of larger sectional area below the atmospheric vents to aid in preventing the outward splash of water therethrough.

The ball 63 is of smaller diameter than the passageway 62. The rear end of said passageway has a lug or stop 57 projecting into positionto hold the ball in the passageway but when in this position there is ample venting area around the ball to permit a rapid flow of siphon breaking air from the vents 45a back into the manifold chamber 6|. The port 65 at the front end of the passageway 62 is preferably provided with one or more restricted by-pass passages 58, which may be formed as notches in the valve seat against which the ball valve seats when in its forward position. These by-pass channels permit a restricted flow of water through the venting channel 43a, 44a and down along the back wall I8 of the bowl during the flushing operation for cleaning said back wall. However, said by-pass channels permit only a comparativcly restricted flow which does not impair the efficiency of the siphon jet or other flushing orifices. This same arrangement of by-pass channels may, if desired, be associated with the port 4| in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, inclusive.

In this modified embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8, the siphon jet passage 55a opens into the passageway 62 at a point intermediate the ends thereof. At the start of the flushing operation, the ball valve 63 moves upwardly past the opening of passage 55a to .close the port 65 hence causing most of the water entering the passageway 62 to be directed down through the siphon jet passage 55a. A vertical opening 41a is provided in the bowl beneath the coupling member 26a for permitting installation of the ball valve member into the inclined passageway 62. In this construction an air passageway or channel comprising the passageway 62, channel 43a and openings 45a. exists in the bowl above the overflow level 8-8 at all times except during the flushing operation when it directs water into the bowl. This air passageway is in direct communication with the atmosphere and provides for an adequate supply of air to be drawn back into the fresh water supply pipe in the event of a back suction developing therein.

The construction shown in Figures 9 to 13 is similar to the modification shown in Figure 5. As seen in Figure 9, the same general type of closet bowl I6 is employed having the usual flushing trap I1 and I8, flushing rim 2| and flushing passageway 22. The end ports SI!) and 52b of the flushing passageway 22 open into the manifold chamber II. The manifold chamber II receives the flushing water directly from the usual connection I5. The manifold chamber 'II of Figure 9 is identical to the manifold chamber 6| shown in Figure 5 with the exception of the construction of the siphon breaking means. In Figure 5 the siphon breaking means or passageway is shown as being an integral part of the bowl, being formed or cast above the manifold chamber 8|. In the construction shown in Fig. ure 9, the siphon breaking means includes a re movable unit 12 being positioned in the manifold chamber II above the overflow level 8-0 of the bowl. As seen in Figures 9 and 11, the usual siphon jet passage opens at I3 into one side of the manifold chamber II.

The removable unit I2 consists of an external- 1y threaded tube or plug which is screwed into an internally threaded sleeve portion I4 extending through the forward wall 15 of the manifold chamber. As best seen in Figures 12 and 13, the removable plug has central bore and counterbore portions I6 and II, respectively, with a flared or conical wall portion separating the bore and counterbore. The flared wall I8 provides a valve seat for a sliding or reciprocating valve member I9. The valve member II! in this instance comprises a cylindrical portion 8I having a tapered or conical forward end 82 which corresponds to the valve seat 18. The valve seat 18 is preferably grooved at 83 to provide a by-pass for allowing a restricted flow of liquid to pass into the bore I6 when the member I9 has moved forwardly into engagement with valve seat I8. The valve member 19 is of smaller transverse dimension than the diameter of the counterbore I1, and this member is adapted for free longitudinal movement therein. The inner end 84 is open except for the provision of two tabs or fingers 85, which are bent or lapped over after the installation of the valve member I8. The counterbore I'I is.provided with a plurality of openings 86 to allow free passage of water and air into and out of this portion of the tube or plug.

The bore 16 extends forwardly and opens into transverse or radial openings 81, and when the plug I2 is installed, as viewed in Figure 9, these radial openings 8Iextend in the same plane with the vertical flushing passageway 43b which opens at b centrally above the back wall I8. The diameter of the opening 88, into which the sleeve 14 is installed, is somewhat larger than the diam eter of the plug itself thus leaving a circular area or space around the cap portion 89 of the plug. Air may then enter around the cap portion 88 and into the manifold chamber through the radial openings 81 and bores I6 and TI. The cap portion 89 is provided with a suitable slot 98 for receiving a screw driver or other suitable tool employed when installing the plug.

In flushing the bowl, the water moves the valve member I9 forwardly to its closed position in the valve seat I8. The restricted flow of water passing through the by-pass 83 will drain through one of the radial openings 81 and down through the vertical passageway 43b to flush the back wall I8. During the flushing operation water will discharge out of the manifold chamber II into the flushing rim 2| through the openings 5| b and 52b of passageway 22 and will also discharge down through the siphon jet supply passage I3. At the end of the flushing operation, as the water lowers in the manifold chamber, the valve member I9 will be sucked or drawn back from its forward position to thereby allow an unrestricted passage of air to enter the chamber. It will thus be seen that the valve member 18 reciprocates back and forth in the unit I2 responsive to the flow of water in the chamber II. This valve construction normally vents the manifold chamber to the atmosphere above the overflow level 0-0 of the bowl so that the air admitted through said valve will prevent any siphonic back flow.

Referring now to the modification shown in Figures 14 and 15, a conventional closet bowl is disclosed at I 6 having a manifold chamber IN. The manifold chamber in this instance consists of a substantially rectangular chamber with the flushing rim ports 5Ic and 520 opening into the upper front portion thereof. Venting apertures 45:: are positioned in the forward wall above the overflow level of the bowl indicated by the dotted line 0-0. The openings 45c vent the manifold chamber to the atmosphere above the overflow level of the bowl as well as allow a quantity of water to pass therethrough to wash the back wall I8 during the flushing period.

Water is supplied to the manifold chamber IllI through the usual supply pipe, a fragmentary portion of which is here shown at I5. The pipe I5 is connected to a bent or elbow pipe I02 by a suitable coupling I83. The elbow pipe H12 extends forwardly into the manifold chamber and is secured in place by a suitable packing ring I05 and threaded plate I86. Although the elbow pipe I82 is here shown as installed in a specially built closet, it is to be understood that the elbow pipe I02 can be conveniently installed in all standard makes of closets. When installing the pipe I02 into the manifod chamber II, the forward end I! is inserted into the opening IIII' in a downwardy and forwardly direction until the collar I02 lies in substantially the same horizontal plane with the opening I0 I The collar is wedge shape in cross section hence providing a flared peripheral edge for wedging, engagement with the similarly flared packing ring I05, and by tightening the flanged ring I06 down upon the packing ring I05, the pipe I02 is securely held in place. The forwardend I01 forms an inclined spout through which water flows into the manifold chamber. An opening H0 is formed in the upper periphery of the spout I01 through which water may pass into the manifold chamber. The spout I01 provides an inclined runway for a ball valve member I08, the latter normally resting by gravity in a valve seat I09 sealing the supply connection I02 against the reverse flow of water. The flushing water moves the ball valve I08 forwardly during the flushing period, and a pin III extending across the mouth of the spout prevents the ball from leaving the spout under the force of the water.

As soon as the flow ceases, the ball valve will close the valve seat I09 against the reverse flow of water, air, etc., into the fresh water supply pipe. Should the bowl become stepped up and subsequently filled up with water to the extent of overflowing on the floor, the manifold chamber might fill up to a height even with the top of the rim 2i or on a plane with line 00 after which water will spill over on the floor. In such condition, an air chamber will then exist in the upper portion of the manifold chamber communicating with the atmosphere through openings 45c and with the supply connection I above the overflow level of the bowl. If the bowl be negligently allowed to remain in this condition and a back suction or vacuum develop in the fresh water supply line, the ball valve I08 will prevent the reverse flow of liquid into the supply line. In the event that the ball I08 does not close the valve seat I09 properly, a ready supply of air passing throughthe upper portion of the manifold chamber will prevent any water present in the manifold chamber from being drawn back into the supply p p The construction shown in Figure 16 illustrates the application of the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and to a supply connection entering the rear of the manifold chamber. As shown in Figure 16, a manifold chamber IOI e receives flushing water from a supply pipe I5, the latter being connected by a suitable coupling I03e to a sleeved connection H4 in the back wall of the manifold chamber. A gasket I05e is employed with a flanged tightening plate or nut I06e to secure the connection in the wall of the chamber. The connection II4 has an inclined spout H5 extending into the manifold chamber lie, and this spout has a reduced or flared portion forming a valve seat I I6 to receive the ball valve member I IT. A pair of tabs or fingers I I8 extend radially of the forward end of the spout to limit the forward movement of the ball III therein. A peripheral opening H9 is formed in the spout through which water passes into the manifold chamber. The operation of this construction is identical with that of Figures 14 and 15 and need not be explained further.

Figure 17 shows a somewhat diiferent embodiment of my invention. In this figure a curved pipe or connection I2I is formed with a peripheral shoulder which may be mounted in the manifold wall in the same relation shown in Figure 14.

The upper end of the pipe is exteriorly threaded at I22 for coupling to the usual supply connection. The lower end I23 of the pipe curves forwardly at an angle to the threaded portion I22, and the lower opening or mouth I24 is covered by a plate I25 hinged at I28. The mouth I24 of the pipe is formed at an angle so that the lid or plate I25 will normally rest by gravity covering that opening. The hinged cover plate I25 is free to swing open responsive to the flow of water through the pipe or connection HI and to close the mouth on the subsiding of the flow of water, thus preventing a back flow of water entering the fresh water supply.

The modification shown in Figure 18 shows a conventional closet bowl at I6 having the usual type of manifold chamber I3I in the rear portion thereof. This closet bowl differs from those of Figures 1, 5, 9, etc., principally in that it does not have any atmospheric vent disposed above the overflow level 00, and in that sense typically represents the majority of closet bowls now in use. That is to say in this construction there is no venting passage built into the bowl itself and communicating with the atmosphere and with the supply connection above the overflow level of the bowl to conduct air to the supply connection in case a back suction or vacuum should develop therein. To prevent a back flow of liquid from the manifold chamber should a siphonic action develop in the supply system, I provide siphon preventing or breaking apparatus which can readily be installed in association with any type of bowl, and which preferably comprises the cooperative combination of a, check valve and an automatically operating atmospheric vent both associated with the supply connection I5 leading to the bowl. Referring first to the check valve attachment, indicated generally at I32, this attachment comprises a sleeved portion I33 and a flanged collar I36. The flanged collar I and circular packing I are firmly secured in the manifold chamber by a flanged threaded member I30. The sleeve portion I 33 is secured to the supply connection I5 by the usual coupling I31. Extending downwardly from the flanged collar I34 are four prong-like members I30 which provide a retaining structure or cage for holding a ball valve member I39. The ball member here shown rests by gravity on a cross pin III and allows the water to flow freely into the manifold chamber I3 I. In this instance, the ball valve I39 is lighter than water and if water should rise in the manifold chamber, such as might occur responsive to a siphonic condition developing in the supply connection, the ball valve I39 will be actuated upwardly in the prong structure I38 to close the opening IdZ, thus preventing any liquid from being drawn or sucked up into the pipe I5. This ball valve attachment I32 can be mounted in practically all standard bowls.

Mounted in the supply connection or pipe I5 (Fig. 18) is the cooperating siphon preventing attachment I which coacts with the ball valve attachment I 32, the latter attachment I45 venting the supply system to the atmosphere above the overflow level of the bowl. As best seen in Figures 20-22, this unit comprises a section of tubing I06, which may be the supply pipe I5, exteriorly threaded at I41 for receiving a sleeve I00 having an inwardly flanged end I09 interiorly threaded at ISI for engagement with threads Id'i. This sleeve I48 is of greater inside diameter than the diameter of the tubing I06, thus providing a circular space or area I50 between these members.

A hexagonal locking nut I5I is threaded on the tubing and against the top or open end I53 of the sleeve I48 leaving openings for the circulation of air into the space I50 between the sleeve and the tubing. An air tube I54 closed at its inner end I55 is threaded into the tubing I46 and the opposite end I56 of this tube opens into the air space I50. An orifice I51 adjacent the closed end I 55 of the tube I54 opens downwardly to allow air to pass into the tubing I46 but to prevent flushing water to flow into the tube I54. A check valve I6I is provided in the tube I54 to further insure against the reverse flow of water through the air tube. This check valve consists of a sleeve portion I62 threaded into tube I54. The sleeve portion I62 has a central bore adapted to be closed by a ball valve I63 which is loosely held in a cage-like structure I64. A diametrically extending slot I65 is provided in the end of the check valve for receiving a screw driver or other suitable tool. A plug I66 is threaded into the sleeve I48 at a point opposite to the tube I54 for facilitating removal of the jet plug without removing the sleeve I48. The check valve structure I6I and jet tube I54 allow an unrestricted flow of air into the tubing I46 but prevent the passage of water in a reverse direction. In the flushing operation there is only a minimum possibility of water leaking past the air venting check valve I63 and out through the air vent plug I62. However, if this leakage should occur the water will accumulate in the reservoir space I50 and then at the end of the flushing operation this accumulation of water will drain back through the plug I62, past the valve I63, and down into the supply pipe I5. The possibility of this air venting attachment leaking water is greatly reduced by making the device of relatively small port area, enabling a small, light weight valve I63 to be used, this small port area also restricting the volume of leakage water in the event of leakage so that the water can be accumulated in the reservoir I50 until the end of the flushing operation.

The provision of the back flow preventing check valve I39 has cooperation with the air venting attachment I45 in that by providing this check valve I39 the latter will under most circumstances seal the supply pipe against back flow of water but if through imperfect seating of the valve I39 there should be a tendency for leakage past this valve the area of leakage opening will be so small that the relatively small air venting plug I62 will supply ample air to prevent complete back siphonage through this leakage opening and into the supply line I2. The small size of the air venting attachment I45 also enables it to be installed directly in the supply pipe I5.

However, it will be understood that the air venting device I45 might be made of sufficient capacity to supply ample air for breaking a. back siphon independently of any back flow preventing check valve I39, I08, H1 or I25.

Figure 18 discloses the usual flushing valve at I3 located above the siphon breaking unit I45 and a pressure reducing valve I68 having a spring pressed plunger I69 on the supply line side of the flushing valve I3. Thus, in this figure three separate agencies besides the flushing valve I3 act to prevent a siphonic flow of water back into the fresh water supply.

Figure 23 shows another form of siphon breaking unit which can be installed directly in the supply connection to prevent a possible back flow of liquid from the bowl into the fresh water supply system. In this instance, the siphon breaking unit I1I may comprise a short piece of tubing or pipe I12, such as a specially constructed supply pipe I5, with a sleeve I13 mounted exteriorly thereon. The sleeve I13 has a flanged portion I14 which is sweated, soldered, or otherwise secured to the tubing for holding the sleeve in position.-

An opening in the pipe I12 forms an inlet opening into a central bore I15 of a transversely extending rib or bridge I15. The rib I15 is here shown as comprising a member extending diametrically across the pipe I12 and may be cast integral with the pipe or it may be aseparate member soldered, brazed or otherwise fixed in the pipe I12. The bore I14 as here shown does not extend the entire length of the rib but this bore could obviously open atboth ends into the space I16 if desired. The rib I15 has a vertically extending sleeve portion I11 having a central bore I18 in communication with the transverse bore I15 in the rib. The lower portion of the vertical bore I18 has a fiared portion I19 forming a valve seat for a complementary conical portion I8 I of a needle valve stem I8I. The valve stem I8I is carried in the central bore of a plunger member I82 shown in the preferred form as an inverted cup or bell. The cup or bell has a cylindrical body portion open at its lower end I83 and converging at its upper end into a. conical portion I85. The member I82 with its conical end I85 performs a plunger-like action for closing the upper opening I86 of the pipe. That is, the plunger member I82 is made of light weight material, preferably lighter than water, and should the water in the manifold chamber be sucked up into the pipe I12, the plunger will be carried upwardly to close the opening I86. The opening I86 is provided with a collar I81 which is preferably threaded into the upper end of the pipe I12, and this collar has a flanged portion extending radially thereof for engaging with a suitable coupling member I88. The coupling I88 is provided for making a connection with a flushing valve or other suitable pipe. The collar I81 has an inner flared wall which forms a complementary seating surface for the conical end I85 of the plunger member as shown in dotted lines, hence sealing the opening I86 against the flow of water upwardly in the pipe I12.

In practice, the plunger member I82 will rest by gravity in its lowermost position as shown by the solid lines in Figure 23, thus sealing the air inlet opening at I19 by virtue of the needle valve arrangement. Therefore, under no condition will the flushing water have occasion to leak from the bores I14-I15 into the sleeve I13. The plunger I82 is of such diameter with respect to the interior of the pipe that the flow of flushing water is not materially reduced by its presence in the pipe. In the event that a siphonic action develops in the fresh water supply system tending to draw. water from the manifold chamber into the pipe I 12, the column of water raised in the pipe will cause the plunger member I82 to seat in the collar I81 to seal the opening I86 against any further siphonic action affecting the water in the bowl. When the plunger I82 raises, air .will enter through the needle valve I19I8I' responsive to the back suction or vacuum created in the pipe I12, and this air being trapped within the bell-shaped member I 82 increases its buoyancy and retains the upper end of the sleeve portion I11 always in an air space. vUpon the plunger rising to completely seal the upper opening I86, the air drawn in through the needle valve will cause the water sucked up into the pipe I12 to drain back into the manifold chamber. The plunger I82 will remain in its upper or dotted line position until the vacuum or siphonic condition is broken or otherwise overcome. It will be manifest from the above description that the valve construction shown in Figure 23 has substantially the same utility and function as the arrangement shown in Figures 18 and 20 and hence may be adapted for those or like .situations mentioned in connection with the latter arrangement. In the event that the valve portion I85 should not have perfect seating at I86 the volume of air admitted through the air vent I19 will still prevent back siphonage.

It will be evident that numerous modifications and rearrangements of parts may be made without departing from the essence of my invention.

I claim:

1. In a water closet, the combination of a manifold chamber adapted to receive flushing water from a supply connection, a passageway leading from the manifold chamber to the bowl of the closet, a separate outlet opening in said manifold chamber through which Water may flow and of suiflcient size to break any siphon estab lished by virtue of negative pressure in said manifold chamber, and valve means operable to close said outlet opening responsive to the flow of flushing water to prevent loss of positive pressure from the manifold chamber.

2. In a water closet, the combination with a siphonic action bowl having a liquid seal trap, a water supply connection for flushing said bowl and a channel for conducting water from said supply connection to said liquid seal trap, of a manifold chamber directly connected with said channel to allow an unrestricted flow of water directly from said supply connection into said channel for flushing said bowl, a portion of said chamber providing an air passageway venting said supply connection to the atmosphere above the overflow level of the bowl, and means movable responsive to the flow of a fluid to close said passageway, the latter being disposed above said bowl in such a position relative thereto that fluid flowing therethrough before said movable means closes the passageway will discharge into the bowl.

3. A water closet bowl adapted to receive flushing water from a supply connection and comprising a chamber, means establishing a passageway between the supply connection and the chamber, means establishing an air opening in said passageway at points adapted to communicate with both said supply connection and said chamber and being disposed above the overflow level of the bowl, and means independent of said air inlet opening for preventing any reverse flow of a fluid from said chamber into said supply connection.

4. A water closet bowl adapted to receive water from a supply connection having an outlet in said bowl above the overflow level of the latter, a flushing rim extending around the upper margin of said bowl and adapted to receive water from said manifold chamber during the flushing operation, the rear portion of said rim being depressed and lower than the front portion of the seat, a portion of said bowl forming an air passageway venting said supply connection to the atmosphere above the overflow level of the bowl, and valve means in said air passageway adapted to check the flow of water through the passageway to the bowl during the flushing operation.

5. In a water closet, the combination with a siphonic action bowl having a liquid seal trap, a flushing rim surrounding the upper margin of said bowl, a water supply connection for flushing said bowl, of a manifold chamber for receiving water from said supply connection and directing the water to said flushing rim, a passage conducting some of the Water from said manifold chamber to the liquid seal trap for eifecting a siphonic jet action in the flushing of the bowl, a passageway venting said manifold chamber to the atmosphere to thereby prevent liquid in the bowl from being sucked back into said water supply connection, and a member tending to check the flow of water through said venting passageway in the normal flushing action, whereby normal pressure conditions in said manifold chamber and normal operation of said siphonic jet action are maintained.

6. In a water closet, the combination with a siphonic action bowl having a liquid seal trap, a flushing rim surrounding the upper margin of said bowl, a water supply connection for flushing said bowl, of a manifold chamber for receiving water from said supply connection and directing water to said flushing rim, a passage conducting water received from said supply connection to said liquid seal trap for providing a siphonic jet action in the flushing of the bowl, a passageway venting said manifold chamber to the atmosphere, said passageway being of greater cross sectional area than the siphonic passage thereby preventing liquid in the bowl from being sucked up into the supply connection, and an automatic valve acting to check the outward flow of water through said vent passageway to prevent loss of water from said chamber to thereby maintain efiicient operation of said siphonic jet action.

7. A water closet bowl comprising a manifold chamber adapted to receive flushing water from a supply connection, said supply connection having an outlet from said manifold chamber above the overflow level of the bowl, a flushing rim extending around the upper margin of said bowl and adapted to receive water from said manifold chamber during a flushing operation, said mani-,

fold chamber having an atmospheric vent communicating therewith at a point above the overflow level of the bowl, and a retractable valve member normally tending to seal the outlet of said supply connection against the reverse flow of a fluid responsive to a back suction developing in the supply connection.

8. In a water closet bowl, the combination of a manifold chamber adapted to receive flushing water from a supply connection, openings in said manifold chamber through which said Water fiows into the bowl, an inclined surface between certain of said openings, and aball valve operable on said inclined surface to close one of said openings responsive to the flow of flushing water.

9. In a water closet bowl, the combination of a. manifold chamber adapted to receive flushing water from a supply connection, a port in said manifold chamber through which said water enters, a second port normally venting said chamber to the atmosphere,-said supply connection communicating with the atmosphere through said ports, an inclined surface between said ports,

a ball valve on said inclined surface normally closing said first named port and movable responsive to the flow of water to close the other of said ports.

10. In a water closet bowl, the combination of a flushing rim, a manifold chamber, atmospheric vent means communicating with the manifold chamber at a point above the overflow level of the bowl, :1 water supply pipe connected to said manifold chamber and having an outlet in said chamber above said vent means, said outlet having valve means normally sealing said supply connection against the reverse flow of a fluid, said valve means being automatically operable to allow passage of flushing water.

11. In a water closet bowl, the combination of a flushing rim, a manifold chamber, means for venting said chamber to the atmosphere above the overflow level of the bowl, means for supplying water to said manifold chamber, said means comprising a spout extending into said manifold chamber above the overflow level of the bowl, and a valve in said spout for sealing said supply means against the reverse flow of a liquid into said supply means. I

12. A water closet bowl adapted to receive flushing water from a supply connection and comprising a. passageway communicating with the supply connection and having an atmospheric vent communicating with the atmosphere at a point above the overflow level of the bowl for preventing a siphonic flow of water back through said supply connection, said passageway discharging flushing water into the bowl in the flushing operation, and removable valve means for checking the flow of fluid through said passageway, said valve means comprising a central bore portion and a counterbore portion, a bypass in said central bore portion, and a retractable member adapted to seat in said counterbore portion during the flow of flushing water whereby water will escape through said by-pass into the bowl.

123. In a water closet bowl of the class described, the combination of a manifold chamber adapted to receive flushing water from a supply connection, a liquid seal trap, a flushing rim around the upper margin of said bowl and opening into said manifold chamber for receiving water therefrom, a passageway in the upper portion of said manifold chamber communicating with said supply connection and having an atmospheric vent communicating with the atmosphere above the overflow level of the bowl, said passageway normally acting to vent said manifold chamber to the atmosphere and to receive water during the flushing operation, a siphon jet passage conducting water during the flushing operation from said pas ageway to said liquid seal trap, said passageway comprising bore and counterbore portions with a valve seat therebetween, a bypass in said valve seat through which water may flow into the bowl, a retractable valve member adapted to close said valve seat during a flushing operation whereby eflicient operation of said siphon jet action is effected.

14. In a water closet bowl of the class described, the combination of a manifold chamber adapted to receive flushing water from a supply connection, valve means in said manifold chamber for preventing the back flow of water from said chamber into said supply connection, said valve means comprising a port through which water may flow into said manifold chamber, a cage adjacent said port, and a reciprocating memher in said cage adapted to close said port responsive to the flow of water from said manifold chamber into said supply connection, and means for supplying air to said supply connection.

15. In a water closet bowl, the combination of a manifold chamber adapted to receive flushing water from a supply connection, an air inlet opening into said supply connection for communicating with the atmosphere, a movable valve member normally sealing said inlet opening against the passage of a fluid therethrough in the flushing operation, a second opening above said inlet opening through which water passes in the flushing operation, said member adapted to rise with a reverse flow of liquid into said supply connection to seal said second opening against the passage of said liquid into the fresh water supply connection whereby air is admitted through said first named valve opening thereby causing the liquid raised in the supply connection to drain back into'said manifold chamber.

16. A siphon breaking assembly for water closet bowls comprising a body portion adapted to be mounted in a supply connection, spaced valve openings in said body portion, a valve member adapted to alternatively close one or the other of said openings, said valve member resting by gravity to close one of said openings during normal operation of said bowl, a reservoir associated with said one opening for conducting air into said body portion and for receiving leakage water should said valve member not positively close said one opening, said valve member movable wit-h a reverse flow of liquid into said body portion to seal the other of said openings against the back flow of liquid into said supply connection whereby air will enter through said valve opening to cause the liquid raised in the supply connection to drain back into said bowl.

1?. A water closet comprising a bowl having a manifold chamber adapted to receive flushing water, a supply connection for furnishing flushing water to said chamber, check valve means disposed in said manifold chamber above the overflow level of the bowl and operative to prevent backward siphoning of fluid into the supply connection, and atmospheric air vent means connected to said bowl at a point above the overflow level thereof for supplying air to said supply connection.

18. A water closet comprising a bowl of the siphon jet type having a manifold chamber, a trap, a siphon jet extending from said manifold to said trap, a supply connection adapted to furnish flushing water to said manifold and jet, check valve means operative to prevent backward siphoning of fluid from the jet and manifold into said supply connection, and air vent means associated with said check valve means and operative to vent the supply connection to the atmosphere, said air vent means being disposed on the house side of said check valve means and communicating with the latter at a point above the overflow level of said bowl.

19. A water closet comprising a bowl, a supply connection adapted to furnish, flushing water to the bowl, check valve means disposed in said supply connection and movable therein to prevent backward flow of fluid from the bowl through the supply connection, and air vent means normally closed by said valve means at all times for venting said supply connection to the atmosphere except when said check valve means moves to prevent a backward flow of fluid toward the supply connection.

20. A water closet comprising a bowl, a supply connection adapted to furnish flushing water to said bowl, a check valve operative to prevent backward siphoning of fluid from the bowl into the supply connection, and valved air vent means for venting the supply connection to the atmosphere upon backward flow of fluid therethrough, said vent means including a valve having a stem operatively connected with said check valve.

21. A water closet comprising a bowl, a supply connection adapted to furnish flushing water to said bowl, a check valve operative to prevent backward siphoning of fluid from the bowl into the supply connection, said check valve comprising a valve seat disposed in said supply connection and a corresponding valve closure movable upwardly by any back flow through the supply connection to prevent backward siphoning, and air vent means for venting said supply connection to the atmosphere when said check valve is held to its seat by any backward flow of fluid through the supply connection.

22. A water closet comprising a bowl, a supply connection adapted to furnish flushing water to said bowl. a check valve operative to prevent backward siphoning of fluid from the bowl into the supply connection, said check valve comprising an upper closure portion movable upwardly into engagement with a seat in said supply connection and a lower portion having a lower open end to trap a quantity of air within the check valve to render the same buoyant upon any backward flow of liquid through the supply connection, and air vent means for the supply connection sealed by said check valve in its lower position and opened to vent the supply connection to the atmosphere when said check valve is in its upper seated position. v

23. A water closet comprising a bowl having a manifold chamber adapted to receive flushing water, a. supply connection for furnishing flushing water to said chamber, air vent means including a passageway having a valve seat, and a valve closure having a valve movable into and out of engagement with said seat for closing and opening communication between said passageway and said manifold chamber and supply connection, and means subjected to the impact of the flushing flow through said supply connection for forcibly holding said valve on said seat during the flushing operation.

24. A water closet comprising a bowl, a supply connection adapted to furnish flushing water to said bowl, a buoyant check valve disposedin said supply connection to prevent backward flow of fluid from the bowl through the supply connection, and an air vent for said supply connection disposed below said check valve, the latter being adapted to close said vent in its lower position and to prevent backward flow of liquid from the bowl through the supply connection in its upper position.

25. A water closet comprising a bowl, 8, supply connection adapted to furnish. flushing water to said bowl, a substantially yhndrlcal valve closure disposed in said supply connection and having a closed upper end and an open lower end, the upper end being adapted to seat against a valve seat in said supply connection when in its upper position to prevent backward siphoning of liquid from the bowl into the supply connection, and air vent means including a passageway opening from the outside into the supply connection, said passageway being adapted to be sealed by said valve when the latter is in its lower position.

26. A water closet comprising a bowl, a supply connection adapted to furnish flushing water to the bowl, a vertically movable check valve disposed in said supply connection, said check valve including a seat disposed in the supply connection and a vertically movable valve closure adapted to engage said valve seat in its upper position and said valve closure being of smaller diameter than the interior diameter of said supply connection, air vent means disposed below said valve seat and including a passageway extending into the supply connection, and means carried by said valve closure for sealing ofl said passageway. when the valve is in its lower position, said valve closure being held in that position by the flow of water to the bowl during the flushing operation.

27. A water closet comprising a. bowl. a supply connection adapted to furnish flushing water to the bowl, a vertically movable check valve disposed in said supply connection, said check valve including a seat disposed in the supply connection and a vertically movable valve closure adapted to engage said valve seat in its upper position and said valve closure being of smaller diameter than the interior diameter of said supply connection, air vent means disposed below said valve seat and including a passageway extending into the supply connection, means carried by said valve closure for sealing ofi said passageway when the valve is in its lower position, said valve closure being held in that position by the flow of water to the bowl during the flushing operation, and rservoir means associated with the air vent means exteriorly of the supply connection and adapted a to intercept water flowing out of the air vent.

28. An article of manufacture comprising a water closet bowl having a flushing rim, a compartment in the rear portion of the bowl for receiving flushing water from a supply connection, a hydraulic manifold chamber communicating with said compartment through an opening in the bowl between said compartment and chamher, and pmsages leading from said manifold chamber to said flushing rim.

29. An article: of manufacture comprising a water closet bowl having a flushing rim, a first chamber in the rear portion of the bowl for receiving flushing water from a supply connection. a second chamber communicating with said first chamber through an opening in the bowl wall be tween said first and second chambers, passages leading from said second chamber to said flushing rim, and air vent means associated with one of said chambers.

ROBERT A. BROOKS. 

